Every student's educational journey is unique, and for many students at the University of Colorado Denver, that journey includes transferring from another institution. During National Transfer Student Week, October 19-23, 2026, the School of Public Affairs (SPA) joins CU Denver in celebrating the contributions, experiences, and achievements of transfer students who strengthen our campus community.

Transfer students are an important part of the CU Denver experience. In fact, they make up the majority of the university's undergraduate student body. Whether students are transferring from a community college, another four-year institution, or returning to college after time away, CU Denver offers resources and support designed to help them make a successful transition.

As Colorado's only public urban research university, CU Denver combines rigorous academics with experiential learning opportunities that help students apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges. Through internships, community engagement, research opportunities, and professional development experiences, students can build the skills and connections needed for future success.

This year's National Transfer Student Week also aligns with Colorado Free Application Days, October 20-22, when colleges and universities across the state waive application fees for Colorado residents. For undergraduate students considering transferring to CU Denver, the initiative offers an opportunity to explore their options and take the next step toward earning a degree.

You're New Here and You Belong Here

For students arriving at a new institution, transferring is about more than moving credits from one school to another. It also means joining a new academic community, navigating unfamiliar systems, and building new relationships.

According to Nicole Stoodley, SPA's Academic Services Program Manager, one of the most important things transfer students can do is give themselves permission to be new. While they may already know how to be successful college students, they are still learning a new university, meeting new people, and discovering new opportunities.

One of the easiest places to begin building connections is in the classroom. SPA courses bring together students with shared interests in public service, leadership, criminal justice, public policy, and nonprofit management. Engaging in class discussions, connecting with classmates, and participating in study groups can help students create meaningful relationships that often extend beyond graduation.

Transfer students are also encouraged to build relationships with faculty members early. Office hours are valuable opportunities to discuss professional goals, graduate school plans, research interests, and career pathways, not just coursework and grades. Establishing those connections early can open doors to mentorship, recommendations, and professional opportunities later.

Making the Most of Your Time at CU Denver

Academic advising is another important resource for transfer students. While advisors can help students understand degree requirements and stay on track for graduation, advising conversations can also help students identify opportunities for internships, certificates, leadership experiences, and other activities that complement their academic goals.

Because transfer students may have fewer semesters at CU Denver than students who begin as first-year students, being intentional about how they spend their time can be especially important. Thinking beyond required coursework and considering what experiences they want to gain before graduation can help students maximize their time at the university.

Students are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with CU Denver's policies, systems, and support services early in their transition. Every institution approaches registration, academic requirements, and student services differently, and learning how those systems work can make the adjustment smoother.

Resources available to students include:

• Academic Advising
• The Writing Center
• Learning Resources Center
• LynxConnect and the Career Center
• MyLynx
• Student organizations and campus engagement opportunities

These services are valuable not only when challenges arise, but also for exploring careers, strengthening academic skills, building community, and taking advantage of opportunities across campus.

Looking Ahead

For transfer students entering CU Denver as juniors or seniors, graduation may arrive sooner than expected. Exploring internships, career opportunities, graduate programs, and professional development resources early can help students make informed decisions about their next steps.

At the same time, students should remember that belonging on campus does not require joining every organization or attending every event. Many SPA students balance coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, internships, military service, or commuting. Building a sense of connection can begin with something as simple as getting to know classmates, connecting with a faculty member, meeting with an advisor, or attending a campus event.

Undergraduate students who are considering transferring to CU Denver can take advantage of Colorado Free Application Days from October 20-22, when application fees are waived for Colorado residents at participating institutions. Combined with National Transfer Student Week, the initiative serves as a reminder that there are many pathways to earning a degree and finding a community where students can thrive.

Most importantly, transfer students should know that they do not have to start at CU Denver to belong at CU Denver. The experiences they bring from previous institutions are part of what makes the SPA community stronger, and the path that brought them here is something to be celebrated.